One Small Step: Women’s Rights and the Citizenship Act

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, 75 Years of the Canadian Citizenship Act Special Issue, 2022

By Lynn Greiner

The issue of gender equality in Canada isn’t new. Women have been fighting for their rights since well before Canada was a country. Although total equality still hasn’t been achieved, legislators have been dragged, often kicking and screaming, closer towards equal rights for well over a century. The seemingly simple matter of citizenship is a prime example of this struggle.

The Citizenship Act that came into effect on January 1, 1947, was a good news/bad news piece of legislation for Canadian women. Before that date, there was no legal status for any “Canadian citizen” (Canadians were, legally, British subjects), no matter their gender, but women who lived in Canada still had fewer rights at the time than men.

To get a sense of how much the 1947 Act affected women, we need to take a look at what they were—or more correctly, were not—before and after it was passed.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .
Avatar photo

Lynn Greiner is a freelance writer who has covered technology, history, business, and many other areas for more than 20 years.

Education News

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

Common Sense Media Releases New AI Toolkit for School Districts

The toolkit provides teachers and district leaders with practical tools to facilitate AI adoption.

Ohio Teacher Wins Summer Getaway in “Sunshine for Teachers” Contest

The grand prize winner and 19 first prize winners celebrated with their schools during schoolwide smoothie parties hosted by Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Lynn Greiner
Lynn Greiner
Lynn Greiner is a freelance writer who has covered technology, history, business, and many other areas for more than 20 years.

Advertisement

Read More

Exploring Indigenous Culture Through the Senses: A Transformative Learning Experience

At McKenzie Towne School in Alberta, students are learning through touch, scent, and sound with the Indigenous Sensory Box Project.

The Positive Impacts of Computer Science: What Every Teacher and Administrator Should Know

After working as both a teacher and an administrator, I know how much of a difference it can make when school leaders truly appreciate the power of computer science.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

Anti-racism and Activist Education: Empowering the Next Generation

Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of changemakers, especially when it comes to addressing racism.

Common Sense Media Releases New AI Toolkit for School Districts

The toolkit provides teachers and district leaders with practical tools to facilitate AI adoption.